Tuesday, December 8, 2015

The original Freedom from Want painting by Norman Rockwell, which is the subject of one of the Four Freedoms stamps, is located in the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA.

Long Description:

Four paintings of Norman Rockwell are on display in the central rotunda of the Normal Rockwell Museum. They are the original works by Rockwell that were the based on a State of the Union Speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt created for publication in the Saturday Evening Post. Subsequently, they were used to promote the sale of War Bonds during World War II. In 1994, they were the subjects of four stamps issued by the United States Postal Service honoring Norman Rockwell.

On January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the Congress of the United States and outlined four essential human freedoms. to Congress January 6, 1941.

"The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world."

"The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world."

"The third is freedom from want -- which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world."

"The fourth is freedom from fear -- which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor-- anywhere in the world."

During the height of World War II and in support of the War effort Norman Rockwell spent six months painting The Four Freedoms, which were published in a series of Saturday Evening Post issues in 1943. These images were used to promote the purchase of war bonds. The program was hugely successful and raised more than $132 million for the war effort.

The Freedom from Want painting depicts an extended family being served a roasted turkey by the family matriarch. The illustration was published in the Saturday Evening Post on March 6, 1943.

Monday, December 7, 2015

The original Freedom from Want painting by Norman Rockwell, which is the subject of one of the Four Freedoms stamps, is located in the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA.

Long Description:

Four paintings of Norman Rockwell are on display in the central rotunda of the Normal Rockwell Museum. They are the original works by Rockwell that were the based on a State of the Union Speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt created for publication in the Saturday Evening Post. Subsequently, they were used to promote the sale of War Bonds during World War II. In 1994, they were the subjects of four stamps issued by the United States Postal Service honoring Norman Rockwell.

On January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the Congress of the United States and outlined four essential human freedoms. to Congress January 6, 1941.

"The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world."

"The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world."

"The third is freedom from want -- which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world."

"The fourth is freedom from fear -- which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor-- anywhere in the world."

During the height of World War II and in support of the War effort Norman Rockwell spent six months painting The Four Freedoms, which were published in a series of Saturday Evening Post issues in 1943. These images were used to promote the purchase of war bonds. The program was hugely successful and raised more than $132 million for the war effort.

The Freedom from Want painting depicts an extended family being served a roasted turkey by the family matriarch. The illustration was published in the Saturday Evening Post on March 6, 1943.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Short Description:
The original Freedom from Fear painting by Norman Rockwell, which is the subject of one of the Four Freedoms stamps, is located in the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA.

Long Description:

Four paintings of Norman Rockwell are on display in the central rotunda of the Normal Rockwell Museum. They are the original works by Rockwell that were the based on a State of the Union Speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt created for publication in the Saturday Evening Post. Subsequently, they were used to promote the sale of War Bonds during World War II. In 1994, they were the subjects of four stamps issued by the United States Postal Service honoring Norman Rockwell.

On January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the Congress of the United States and outlined four essential human freedoms. to Congress January 6, 1941.

"The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world."

"The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world."

"The third is freedom from want -- which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world."

"The fourth is freedom from fear -- which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor-- anywhere in the world."

During the height of World War II and in support of the War effort Norman Rockwell spent six months painting The Four Freedoms, which were published in a series of Saturday Evening Post issues in 1943. These images were used to promote the purchase of war bonds. The program was hugely successful and raised more than $132 million for the war effort.

The Freedom from Fear painting depicts a mother and father looking over their sleeping children. The illustration was published in the Saturday Evening Post on March 13, 1943.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

The original Freedom from Want painting by Norman Rockwell, which is the subject of one of the Four Freedoms stamps, is located in the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA.

Long Description:

Four paintings of Norman Rockwell are on display in the central rotunda of the Normal Rockwell Museum. They are the original works by Rockwell that were the based on a State of the Union Speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt created for publication in the Saturday Evening Post. Subsequently, they were used to promote the sale of War Bonds during World War II. In 1994, they were the subjects of four stamps issued by the United States Postal Service honoring Norman Rockwell.

On January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the Congress of the United States and outlined four essential human freedoms. to Congress January 6, 1941.

"The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world."

"The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world."

"The third is freedom from want -- which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world."

"The fourth is freedom from fear -- which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor-- anywhere in the world."

During the height of World War II and in support of the War effort Norman Rockwell spent six months painting The Four Freedoms, which were published in a series of Saturday Evening Post issues in 1943. These images were used to promote the purchase of war bonds. The program was hugely successful and raised more than $132 million for the war effort.

The Freedom from Want painting depicts an extended family being served a roasted turkey by the family matriarch. The illustration was published in the Saturday Evening Post on March 6, 1943.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The birthplace and home of the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt is located within a huge estate between Route 9 and the Hudson River in Hyde Park. NY

Long Description:

The Roosevelt family called this home Springwood. The central portion was originally a large Federal style farmhouse which was built around 1800. In 1845, the estate was purchased by New York City merchant Josiah Wheeler, who remodeled it into a 15 room house in the Italianate style. He adding a three-story tower at the south end as well as front and rear piazzas. James Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt's father, purchased the home in 1866 for $40,000.

N 41° 46.191 W 073° 56.026

Franklin D. Roosevelt was born here on January 30, 1882 and grew up in this house. After he married Eleanor Roosevelt the couple stayed here to live with Franklin's mother. During his life Roosevelt would use this home as a retreat. He once remarked "All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River."

N 41° 46.077 W 073° 56.091

President Roosevelt died in office on April 12, 1945. He and his wife Eleanor are buried a short distance away from the house, on the estate, within the rose garden.

The stamp was issued by the United States as part of a series of four stamps issued from 1945 to 1946 commemorating the life of President Franklin D. Roosevelt,

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

A large equestrian statue of Revolution War heroine Sybil Ludington is located on the shore of Lake Gleneida opposite 12 Gleneida Avenue in Carmel, NY.

Long Description:

A 10' by 7' by 3' bronze equestrian statue of Revolutionary War heroine, known as the female Paul Revere, Sybil Ludington rests on a 4.25' by 9.33' by 5.15' stone block base. The sculpture depicts sixteen year old Sybil Ludington on horseback during her famous ride of April 26, 1777 when she was warning the citizens of British controlled Putnam County, NY that the British were raiding nearby Danbury, CT.

Miss Ludington is depicted wearing a dress with a cape and her long hair in a ponytail over her right shoulder. She is riding sidesaddle on the left side of her horse, Star. Her right hand is raised above her head clutching a branch while she is holding the reins of her horse in her left hand. She holds the reins of the horse in her proper left hand and has her left foot in a stirrup. Her mouth is open as if shouting a warning. The horse is rearing back slightly and has its right front foot raised.

The sculpture was created by Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington and cast by the Roman Bronze Works in 1960. It was donated by the sculptor and erected by the Enoch Crosby Chapter of the D.A.R. in 1961.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

The Edgar Allan Poe statue is located at the southeast corner of Charles and Boylston Streets, south of the Boston Common, in Boston, MA.

Long Description:

Stefanie Rocknak created this life size bronze statue entitled Poe Returning to Boston. It was unveiled on October 5, 2014. Poe was born in Boston on January 19, 1809. Orphaned at an early age, he grew up in Richmond, VA. He returned to Boston in 1827 before he began his military career and served in Fort Independence in Boston. Here he published his first book, Tamerlane and Other Poems. Poe's desire to writing poetry for the sake of poetry was out of style, and lead to a stormy relationship, with the prevailing literary elite of Boston. Upon his discharge, he left Boston.

The statue depicts Poe returning to Boston. He has just arrived by train and is carrying a suitcase and walking briskly with his coat flowing behind him. He is heading south towards his family home on Carver Street, where he was born. The statue is surrounded by icons of Poe's literature. To his right is a The Raven from his most famous poem and behind him is a book with The Telltale Heart from his most famous short story.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

A statue of Roberto Clemente is the third of three on display in the lobby of the National Baseball Hall of Fame at 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY. Each person was a model of character and courage, each in their own way.

Long Description:

A life size bronze statue of Roberto Clemente depicts the Hall of Fame right fielder wearing his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform, a team for which he played for his entire 18 season major league career (1955 - 1972). Clemente is standing with his legs slightly spread on a circular bronze plinth. He has his right hand placed on top of a baseball bat and his left hand behind his back. The barrel end of the bat rests on the plinth in front of his left foot.

The sign explains the purpose of the display:

CHARACTER AND COURAGE Cast bronzes by Stanley BleifeldBecoming a Hall of Famer takes more than just a great baseballcareer. Off-the-field challenges -- and how those challengers aremet -- reveal an inner character that serves men and womenthroughout their lives. The life experiences of Lou Gerhig,Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente stand out above all.Each faced personal and social obstacles with strength anddignity that set an example of character and courage for allothers to follow.Made possible through a generous donation by Robert Crotty

Roberto Clemente was born on August 18, 1934 in Carolina, Puerto Rico. He joined the Pittsburgh Pirate organization after playing professionally for the Santurce Cangrejeros. He became an National League All Star player NL All-Star (1960–1967, 1969–1972) and Golden Glove winner (1961–1972) multiple times and led the league in batting average four times (1961, 1964, 1965, 1967).

Clemente would perform charity work during the off-season. After a massive earthquake devastated Managua, Nicaragua on December 23, 1972, he arranging emergency relief flights. He flew on the fourth flight to insure the supplies were actually reaching the people of Nicaragua. On December 31, 1972, the Douglas DC-7 cargo plane crashed on take off from Isle Verde, Puerto Rico. All aboard were killed and Clemente's body was never recovered.

On March 30, 1973, the usual 12 year waiting period was waived and, in a special election, Roberto Clemente was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Roberto Clemente Award is given out every year to a player with outstanding baseball playing skills who is personally involved in community work.

Friday, October 23, 2015

A statue of Jackie Robinson is the second of three on display in the lobby of the National Baseball Hall of Fame at 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY. Each person was a model of character and courage, each in their own way.

Long Description:

A life size bronze statue of Jackie Robinson depicts the Hall of Fame third baseman wearing his Brooklyn Dodger, a team for which he played for his entire 10 season major league career. Robinson is standing with his legs slightly spread on a circular bronze plinth. He has both hands behind his back and looking straight ahead.

The sign explains the purpose of the display:

CHARACTER AND COURAGE Cast bronzes by Stanley BleifeldBecoming a Hall of Famer takes more than just a great baseballcareer. Off-the-field challenges -- and how those challengers aremet -- reveal an inner character that serves men and womenthroughout their lives. The life experiences of Lou Gerhig,Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente stand out above all.Each faced personal and social obstacles with strength anddignity that set an example of character and courage for allothers to follow.Made possible through a generous donation by Robert Crotty

After playing for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro League and the Montreal Royals in the International League, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play for a major league baseball team when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947 at age 28. By doing so he broke the color barrier that allowed many other people of color to play professional baseball at the highest level of the sport. Robinson was chosen to break the color barrier not only for his immense baseball skills but also for have the temperament to withstand the racial abuse he was to receive from the public and other players. He retired at age 37 and compiled the following record:

Thursday, October 22, 2015

A statue of Lou Gehrig is one of three on display in the lobby of the National Baseball Hall of Fame at 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY. Each person was a model of character and courage, each in their own way.

Long Description:
A life size bronze statue of Lou Gehrig depicts the Hall of Fame first baseman wearing his New York Yankee uniform, a team for which he played for his entire 17 season major league career. Gehrig is standing with his legs slightly spread on a circular bronze plinth. He has both hands placed on top of a baseball bat, left over right, which he holds vertically in front of him.

The sign explains the purpose of the display:

CHARACTER AND COURAGE Cast bronzes by Stanley BleifeldBecoming a Hall of Famer takes more than just a great baseballcareer. Off-the-field challenges -- and how those challengers aremet -- reveal an inner character that serves men and womenthroughout their lives. The life experiences of Lou Gerhig,Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente stand out above all.Each faced personal and social obstacles with strength anddignity that set an example of character and courage for allothers to follow.Made possible through a generous donation by Robert Crotty

Henry Louis Gehrig was born in New York City to German immigrant parents on June 19, 1903. He attended New York City schools and Columbia University. While at Columbia he was recruited to play baseball by the New York Yankees. He began his major league baseball career on June 15, 1923.

On June 1, 1925, Gehrig began a 14 year streak of 2310 consecutive games played, earning him the nickname "The Iron Horse." Along the was he amassed a series of accomplishments that made him , by consensus, greatest first baseman in the history of the game.

In the spring of 1939 it became obvious that something was physically wrong with the once great player. He could not bat with power nor run the bases. A trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN revealed he was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressively debilitating disease with no known cure. On June 21, 1939 he retired from baseball. The New York Yankees proclaimed July 4, 1939, "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day." To a sold out crowd at Yankee Stadium Gehrig gave his famous "The Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech, this despite knowing he was dying from the disease that would later bear his name, Lou Gehrig disease.

The New York Yankees retired his uniform number "4", making him the first player in Major League Baseball history to have his number retired. On December 7, 1939, Lou Gehrig was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He died on June 2, 1941 at age 37, and is buried in Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, NY.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Woman at Bat is part of a group of four sculptures located on the south lawn of the National Baseball Hall of Fame at 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY.

Long Description:

A life size bronze sculpture of a woman swinging a baseball bat, right handed. Her baseball uniform includes a vintage thigh length dress, cleated shoes, over-the-calf stockings and a baseball cap. She is depicted in after she has stepped into the pitch, in mid-swing. She is standing on a rectangular bronze plinth representing the batter's box. To her right is a five-sided plaque shaped like home plate. The surrounding area is covered with paving stones.

The sculpture was created by Stanley Bleifeld and installed on the grounds of the National Baseball Hall of Fame on May 25, 2006. It honors the members of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, 1942 - 1954.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

A statue of legendary baseball pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige is located on the south lawn of the National Baseball Hall of Fame at 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY.

Long Description:
Until Jackie Robinson broke "the color barrier" in 1947, persons of color were not allowed to play baseball in the Major Leagues. They were resigned to play in the Negro Leagues. This sculpture of Leroy "Satchel" Paige is dedicated to all those whose contributions to baseball were diminished because of the color of their skin.

A life size bronze statue of Leroy "Satchel" Paige depicts him in the act of delivering a pitch. He has his right leg kicked high up in the air in a style that he made famous. In his right hand he holds a baseball, down low by his right side. He is wearing the uniform of the Negro League team the Kansas City Monarchs for which he played from 1940 to 1947. On July 9, 1948, Paige became the oldest person ever to make their first appearance in the the major leagues. At the age of 42 he played for the Cleveland Indians of the American League.

A square stone plaque to the left of Paige is inscribed:

Leroy "Satchel" Paige

2006

Cast Bronze

by

Stanley Bleifeld

In honor of the Negro leagues most

celebrated pitcher, and dedicated

to all those whose contributions

to the National Pastime were too

long diminished simply because

of the color of their skin.

Donated by Sports Illustrated with the

support of the Time Warner Foundation

July 28, 2006

Leroy "Satchel" Paige was born about July 7, 1906, in Mobile, AL. He got the nickname “Satchel” as a boy working as a luggage carrier at the train station in Mobile. He began his professional baseball career in the Negro Leagues in 1926 with the Chattanooga Black Barons and became its most popular player. He played in California, Maryland, North Dakota, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Paige finally broke through to the Majors as a 42-year-old rookie, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971. He died on June 8, 1982.

Friday, October 16, 2015

A statue of National Baseball Hall of Fame catcher for the Brooklyn Dogers, Roy Campanella, is located on the south lawn of the National Baseball Hall of Fame at 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY.

Long Description:
A pair of life size bronze sculptures recreates the Brooklyn Dodgers battery, the catcher and pitcher, from the seventh and deciding game of the 1955 World Series. Behind home plate is a statue of Dodger catcher Roy Campanella. He is shown squatting while wearing the customary protective gear worn by a catcher. His left hand has a catcher glove with a ball caught in the pocket. His right hand is raising his protective mask which would indicate that the batter struck out and the inning is over. A sculpture of the pitcher, Johnny Podres is located the standard distance of 6'6" away.

Roy Campanella is standing on a five sided plinth that is shaped like home plate. A second five sided stone plaque representing home plate is inscribed:

The

Catcher

Roy

Campanella

1998

Cast Bronze

by

Stanley Bleifeld

These sculptures, modeled after the 1955 World Series

Game Seven Battery of Johnny Podres and Roy Campanella

were donated by an ardent fan Sheldon Fireman

in memory of all the hours he stood outside Ebbets Field

hoping beyond hope to collect an autograph

from anyone who ever played there.

May they put a smile on the faces of

all of the wonderful fans of baseball

Sheldon Fireman, July, 2001

Roy Campanella was born on November 19, 1921. His father was the son of Sicilian immigrants and his mother was African-American. Because of his mixed race he was not allowed to play in the Major Leagues. In 1937, he playing Negro league baseball for the Washington then Baltimore Elite Giants. He became a star player. He signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers' minor league system in 1946, as the Dodger organization began preparations to break the Major League Baseball "color barrier." He was called up to the major leagues and played his first game for the Dodgers on April 20, 1948. In 1955, he was voted the national League's Most Valuable Player and led Brooklyn to its first-ever World Series championship.

On January 28, 1958, he was involved in an automobile accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, ending his baseball career. He was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969. Campanella died of heart failure on June 26, 1993.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

A statue of Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Johnny Podres is located on the south lawn of the National Baseball Hall of Fame at 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY.

Long Description:
A pair of life size bronze sculptures recreates the Brooklyn Dodgers battery, the pitcher and catcher, from the seventh and deciding game of the 1955 World Series. On the pitching mound is a statue of Dodger pitcher Johnny Podres. He is shown in Dodgers uniform, number 45. The left handed Podres has just thrown a pitch to the catcher Roy Campanella who is 60'6" away. He is bent over with his back and left leg horizontal to the ground. His left arm close to the ground and his gloved right hand is even with his right knee. He is placed on a circular plinth that represents the pitching mound.

A rectangular plaque behind the plinth represents the pitching rubber. It is inscribed:

The Pitcher: Johnny Podres

1998

Cast Bronze

by Stanley Bleifeld

In front of the catcher, Roy Campanella, is a five sided stone plaque representing home plate. It is inscribed:

The

Catcher

Roy

Campanella

1998

Cast Bronze

by

Stanley Bleifeld

These sculptures, modeled after the 1955 World Series

Game Seven Battery of Johnny Podres and Roy Campanella

were donated by an ardent fan Sheldon Fireman

in memory of all the hours he stood outside Ebbets Field

hoping beyond hope to collect an autograph

from anyone who ever played there.

May they put a smile on the faces of

all of the wonderful fans of baseball

Sheldon Fireman, July, 2001

John Joseph Podres was born on September 30, 1932 in Witherbee, NY. He played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 7, 1953. He spent most of his 15 year baseball career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. He is most famous for the 1955 World Series where he won the crucial third game and pitched a shutout in the seventh and deciding game to give the Brooklyn Dodgers their first World Series championship and was voted the Most Valuable Player.

Johnny Podres was elected to the Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He died at age 75 in Glens Falls, NY on January 13, 2008.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Taughannock Falls is located in Taughannock State Park at 1740 Taughannock Blvd., Route 89, Trumansburg, NY

Long Description:

Tour 30

Rochester—Manchester—Waterloo—Ithaca—Owego; page 663Section b. WATERLOO to OWEGO; 74.3 m.; page 665At 33.5 m. is the official entrance to TAUGHANNOCK STATE PARK (camping, picnicking, bathing, baseball, bowling), comprising 400 acres with a long lake front. Taughannock Falls, more than a mile from the entrance, have a drop of 215 feet, 50 feet higher than Niagara. Except in the spring the volume of falling water is small, but the fall captivates by its quietness and by the dense spray which, rising from the bottom of the gorge, shrouds the lower half of the cliff in mist."---New York : a guide to the Empire state. page 666; copyright 1940

Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet over the rocky cliffs that rise to 400 feet above a gorge cut by the flowing water. You can view the waterfall from below or above. A 0.75 mile hike over easy terrain along a wide. well maintained, trail that follows the stream at the bottom of the gorge takes you to the bottom view of the waterfall. A paved highway a short distance north of the entrance to the park will take you to a parking area with a viewing area to view the waterfall from above.

At 215 feet, Taughannock Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The waterfall erodes the surrounding rock to create a hanging valley with a large amphitheater and basin downstream from the falls. The cliff over which the water falls is made of softer shale on the lower part and harder sandstone on the upper part. Water erodes the softer shale faster than the harder sandstone creating an overhanging cliff.

About Me

My interest in travel and exploration took me to all 50 states, much of Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, as well as some of Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico. As I got older my outdoor activities shifted from hiking to orienteering to geocaching to waymarking.